Quichua communities in Ecuadorian Amazon accept oil drilling despite environmental risks
Research explains why Quichua Indigenous groups in the lower Napo River region accepted oil extraction after the Yasuní-ITT initiative failed in 2013.
Local acceptance of extraction projects
More than half of the Ecuadorian Amazon is marked for drilling operations. These areas overlap with Indigenous lands and zones containing high biodiversity. Local Quichua communities along the Napo River have accepted these activities despite known consequences.
History of the Yasuní initiative
The Ishpingo-Tambococha-Tiputini project became famous during a 2007 to 2013 proposal. That plan sought international funding to leave oil reserves underground in Yasuní National Park. The initiative ended in 2013 because donors did not provide the requested financial support.
Current status of drilling operations
Oil extraction officially began operating in the region in 2016 following the initiative failure. A national conflict involving youth groups defending the park emerged after this decision. A referendum took place in August 2023 regarding these ongoing issues.
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